Located just outside of Cortez, Colorado, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is right in High Desert Life Outdoors' backyard. Spanning more than 176,000 acres, the monument is home to the highest concentration of archaeological sites in the United States, with thousands of ancient dwellings, rock art panels, and cultural sites waiting to be explored. We regularly meet visitors and locals alike who stop into the shop with questions about where to hike, camp, and what to see while visiting. With that in mind, we put together this guide featuring some of our favorite ways to explore the monument, along with a few must-see destinations to help you make the most of your visit. Unlike many national parks and monuments, Canyons of the Ancients rewards curiosity and exploration, with hidden ruins, remote canyons, and quiet corners waiting around nearly every bend.
Before You Go: Safety & Leave No Trace
Before exploring Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, it's important to understand that this is a remote and fragile desert environment. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, while winter conditions can change quickly throughout the day. Being prepared for the weather and terrain will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Cell service is limited throughout much of the monument and may be unavailable in some areas. We recommend downloading maps ahead of time, carrying a paper map as a backup, and letting someone know your plans before heading out, especially if you plan to explore more remote trail systems or backcountry roads.
During the warmer months, we recommend wearing a hat and a lightweight, moisture-wicking sun shirt to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, as gnats and other bugs can be common during certain times of the year. In the winter, dress in layers and carry a warm jacket in your pack, as temperatures can drop quickly when the sun disappears behind canyon walls.
No matter the season, always bring plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to carry at least 0.5 liters (17 ounces) of water per person, per hour of activity, and even more during hot summer days.
Respect the Resource:
Canyons of the Ancients protects one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in the United States. These sites have survived for hundreds and sometimes thousands of years and deserve our respect.
Stay on established trails whenever possible and never climb on, enter, touch, or remove anything from archaeological sites. In addition to causing irreversible damage, disturbing cultural resources is illegal under federal law.
Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, respecting wildlife, and leaving the landscape exactly as you found it so future generations can enjoy it as well.
Best Hikes in Canyons of the Ancients
Sand Canyon Trail System | Easy to Advanced Difficulty
Location: 20 minutes west of Cortez
Distance: 2–15+ miles (depending on route)
Activities: Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking.
The Sand Canyon Trail System is one of our favorite places to hike in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. If someone stops into the shop and asks us for one trail to start with, Sand Canyon is usually near the top of our list. Located about 20 minutes west of Cortez along the scenic McElmo Canyon Road, the area offers options for everyone from casual hikers to experienced trail runners and mountain bikers. Leashed dogs are permitted.
The Rock Creek Trail and East Rock Creek Trail can be explored as shorter out-and-back hikes or combined into longer loop routes. Both trails connect to the main Sand Canyon Trail, a beautiful route that winds through the canyon past impressive rock formations, archaeological sites, and sweeping desert scenery.
For those looking for a longer adventure, the Sand Canyon Trail can be followed deeper into the canyon toward Sand Canyon Pueblo, one of the monument's largest ancestral sites located near County Road N. Whether you're looking for a short hike or a half-day exploration, Sand Canyon offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the monument.
Painted Hand Pueblo | Easy to Moderate
Location: 45 minutes west of Cortez
Distance: 0.7 miles round trip
Activities: Hiking
Painted Hand Pueblo is one of our favorite short hikes near Canyons of the Ancients and is located northwest of Cortez near Hovenweep National Monument. This hiking-only trail is well maintained and offers a rewarding combination of canyon views, archaeology, and a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history. Leashed dogs are permitted.
The trailhead features a large parking area, including space for trailers, as well as a vault toilet. The hike begins with a short walk to an overlook offering expansive views of the canyon system and the ancient Puebloan tower below. From there, the trail winds through piñon and juniper forest with several interpretive signs that provide information about the area's history and archaeology.
About a quarter mile into the hike, the trail splits into a loop. Both routes reconnect farther along the trail, but we generally recommend the left fork for less experienced hikers. This route provides excellent canyon views and follows a more gradual path. The right fork is slightly more primitive, with a few rocky sections and short drops that most hikers can navigate without difficulty.
As the trail continues along the canyon rim, hikers are treated to excellent views of the ancient site below. Be mindful around children and dogs, as several sections pass near steep drop-offs. Those looking for a closer look can continue on a more rugged spur trail that descends toward the tower itself.
Keep an eye out for petroglyphs tucked beneath the rock overhangs near an ancient wall. As you approach the tower, you'll also find the famous Painted Hand pictographs that give the site its modern name and make this one of the most memorable short hikes in the region.
Note: While Painted Hand Pueblo is technically located outside the boundaries of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and is managed as part of Hovenweep National Monument, it's close enough that many visitors combine it with a trip to Canyons of the Ancients. The site's impressive tower, pictographs, and scenic canyon views make it well worth the short detour.
Remote Exploration Areas | Easy to Extremely Difficult
Location: Throughout Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: Short day hikes to multi-day adventures
Activities: Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Backpacking, ATV Travel
One of the unique aspects of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is the opportunity for exploration beyond established trail systems. Some of our favorite days in the monument have come from simply picking a remote road, parking the truck, and seeing what we could find beyond the next canyon rim. While there are several maintained hiking areas, much of the monument consists of remote mesas, canyons, and backcountry roads that invite adventurous visitors to create their own routes.
A network of BLM and county roads provides access to large sections of the monument and can be excellent for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and scenic exploration. Beyond the roads, experienced hikers can venture across sage-covered mesas, through piñon-juniper woodlands, and into remote canyon systems that contain ancient dwellings, rock art, and archaeological sites rarely seen by most visitors.
These areas can be incredibly rewarding, but they should not be underestimated. Steep canyon descents, thick vegetation, rocky terrain, limited water sources, and a lack of marked trails can make navigation challenging. Cell service is often unavailable, and visitors should carry maps, navigation tools, and plenty of water before venturing into the backcountry.
For those willing to explore responsibly, these remote areas offer solitude, spectacular scenery, and a chance to experience parts of the monument that few people ever see. If you're interested in exploring beyond the main trail systems, stop by High Desert Life Outdoors before your trip. We'd be happy to share local recommendations and help point you toward an adventure that matches your experience level.
Must-See Archaeological Sites
Sand Canyon Pueblo
One of the largest ancestral Puebloan sites in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Sand Canyon Pueblo offers visitors a chance to explore an impressive community that once housed hundreds of people. A short, well-maintained interpretive trail loops around the site and provides excellent views of the surrounding canyon country. Visitors looking for a longer adventure can also connect to the Sand Canyon Trail System from the nearby parking area.
Goodman Point Pueblo
Located on the way to Sand Canyon Pueblo, Goodman Point Pueblo is one of the easiest major archaeological sites in the monument to visit. The site sits in a peaceful setting with beautiful views of Ute Mountain and features a short trail leading from the parking area to the ruins. The small parking lot can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out as you approach. Once at the site, visitors can walk around the perimeter and imagine what life was like in this thriving ancestral Puebloan community.
Cannonball Mesa Pueblo
Cannonball Mesa Pueblo is one of our favorite sites in the entire monument and a place we frequently recommend to experienced explorers looking to get off the beaten path. Located west of Sand Canyon, the site features impressive towers and ruins overlooking a natural spring. Reaching the trailhead requires high-clearance four-wheel drive, and road conditions can be rough, especially after storms. Those willing to make the journey are rewarded with one of the most remote and scenic archaeological sites in the region.
Lowry Pueblo
Located about 40 minutes from Cortez, Lowry Pueblo is one of the best-preserved and most accessible archaeological sites in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. For visitors looking to experience a large ancestral Puebloan site without a long hike, this is one of our top recommendations.
The site features a spacious parking area, a vault toilet, and a well-maintained picnic area, making it a great stop for families and visitors of all ages. From the parking lot, a short interpretive trail loops around the pueblo and provides excellent views of the structure and surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights of Lowry Pueblo is the opportunity to view inside a well preserved kiva. Visitors can see original plaster still visible on portions of the walls, offering a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship of the site's original inhabitants. A modern protective roof helps preserve this remarkable feature for future generations.
Whether you're new to the monument or a longtime visitor, Lowry Pueblo is one of the most rewarding archaeological sites to explore in the region.
Where to Camp in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Camping opportunities exist throughout the Canyons of the Ancients area, but most are primitive and require visitors to be self-sufficient. If you plan to camp within or near the monument, be sure to follow all BLM regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything you bring in.
Because of the region's dry climate, seasonal fire restrictions are common throughout much of the year. Before your trip, check current BLM regulations or stop by High Desert Life Outdoors for the latest local information.
While there are no developed campgrounds within most of the monument itself, there are several dispersed camping areas that offer incredible views of the surrounding canyon country and the Four Corners region. Some of these sites are accessible by passenger vehicle, while others require high-clearance four-wheel drive, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Visitors looking for developed camping options can also find excellent campgrounds nearby, including Hovenweep National Monument, McPhee Reservoir, Jackson Lake near Mancos, and Mesa Verde National Park.
If you're looking for a place to camp, stop by the shop before your adventure. We'd be happy to help point you toward a campsite that matches your vehicle, experience level, and trip goals.
Final Thoughts
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is one of the most unique landscapes in the Southwest. Whether you're exploring ancient Puebloan sites, hiking through remote canyons, mountain biking backcountry roads, or simply taking in the history and scenery, the monument offers endless opportunities for adventure.
The best part is that many of these incredible places are located just a short drive from Cortez and can be explored in a day or over the course of a weekend. Even after years of exploring the area, we're still discovering new roads, overlooks, and archaeological sites that keep drawing us back.
If you're planning a visit and have questions about hiking routes, camping, road conditions, or gear recommendations, stop by High Desert Life Outdoors in downtown Cortez. We spend a lot of time exploring this area ourselves and are always happy to help you make the most of your adventure.
We'll see you out on the trail.